Assignment 2
EXCEPTIONAL ANSWERS
Due June 2025
, PYC4812
Assignment 2
Due June 2025
QUESTION 1: Case Study – Vodacom Bulls
1.1 Main Challenge Faced by the Team
The primary challenge confronting the Vodacom Bulls is a lack of team cohesion and
poor interpersonal dynamics, manifesting as conflicts, poor communication, and a
fractured team environment. This is evidenced by players’ tendency to avoid open
discussions, rely on assumptions (“reading each other's minds”), and harbor ongoing
conflicts. These issues collectively erode trust, undermine collective efficacy, and impair
on-field performance, particularly under pressure during critical phases of the season.
Motivation:
Team cohesion, defined as the degree of unity and shared purpose among team
members, is recognized as a critical determinant of success in team sports (Carron,
Bray, & Eys, 2002). The coach’s observations of interpersonal conflicts and
communication breakdowns suggest an erosion of social cohesion and trust, which are
essential for coordinated, high-performance play. The pattern of losing composure late
in the season further indicates that unresolved team conflicts and poor cohesion
compromise psychological resilience and collective focus, which are vital in rugby’s
high-pressure moments.
1.2 Importance of This Challenge in Sport
This challenge is crucial in sport because team cohesion directly influences
performance, resilience, and psychological safety:
• Performance Under Stress: Rugby demands precise coordination, especially in
set-pieces and defensive structures. Lack of trust and poor communication can
result in breakdowns, errors, and lost matches during high-stakes moments. The